Botanical Essence No.1

Ooh, thanks to Fragrantica for adding this! It seems the reaction to Liz Earle's first fragrance has been 50/50 love/hate. I love it. It manages to be clean and fresh but also warm. The best way I can describe it is to compare it to some other perfumes. This is how it hit my nose when I first wore it: The topnotes are very similar to those of Clarins' Eau Dynamisante. The fragrance then moves through a sort of green phase which to me is reminiscent of Ma Griffe. Finally, the lingering smell of this frag is, to me, like 'O' de Lancome, but nicer - without that edge (?basil) that O has. All in all, Botanical Essence slightly reminds me of Lancome's beautiful Climat, they share a quality or essence for me. This is the perfume I am definitely getting next, especially as it has a high percentage of natural ingredients. Well done Liz Earle. Update, Oct '12 - well, just to add that I'm wearing this now and I still love it, it's BEAUTIFUL! With so few reviews on here, and quite a few of those bad ones, I'm scared Liz Earle will stop making it!! I had thought this was best for Summer, but I'm finding it has a Winter beauty too. It's just delicious (can you tell I love it?). Hope Fragrantica adds the new No.15 on here soon. Having smelled the new one, I can say I definitely DON'T like it. Interesting, I think those that don't like No.1 probably will but I think it's one hot stinky mess and I hope to be able to keep buying No.1.

This is superb! To say Essence No.1 is a fresh citrus/vetiver is just not the entire story. I can't place my finger on quite what it is about No.1 that makes it so special? There's a more herbal feel over all and the citrus fruits are natural & beautiful but not even the main player. Essence No.1 is not just another fleeting lemony blast or a zesty mandarin orange it's a delicate balance which really does contain the lavender and possibly even some rose? It dries down to a vetiver kind of skin scent but again unlike anything I've smelled before, basically Liz Earle does what Jo Malone and Diptyque do with many of their fresh offering but with something better and more wearable, at least to my nose. I'm really impressed and tempted to add this to my collection as a perfect summer fragrance, which didn't last all that long but was acceptably average and hey I'm willing to let it off.

This is my favourite scent for spring and summer herby and refreshing good for work as not to overpowering it is not heavy or clawing but light and sits close to the skin. It really uplifts my spirits. For me I wear it in winter as well because I need that boost of awakeness before I start the day because in the UK we are blanketed by darkness due to days being very short,need some positive punch and this is just the ticket. Though the downfall is I have to mention it does not last long on the skin and disappears after a couple of hours

I am very surprised at the negative reviews on here. I think this is a very beautiful fragrance. I have yet to buy a FB but sample it regularly. It is so reminiscent of some perfume I used to know which I think is now discontinued - some long forgotten Dior maybe - anyway I fully intend to purchase this even though it doesn't last long. I think the silage is quite weak too but all I know is I can't stop sniffing my arm when I'm wearing this and that there are not many fragrances that have that effect on me . . .

Hah, I've just read the review below and completely agree with the 'either No. 1 or No.15' comment. No. 1 (this one) has been my go-to summer favourite fragrance for years, but im just completely unable to get on with No. 15. On my skin, I don't know why I pick up coconut when there is none there, but the vibe for me is warm, fruity and tropical. It also lasts all day on one application. This is such a gorgeous, accessible fragrance, give it a try if you get the chance!